The portion of the highway between Scott Depot and Hurricane has seen heavy commercial and residential development since the 1980s. The area, known as Teays Valley, has grown into a major suburb of Charleston, the state's capital.
WV 34 Bus is a business loop through downtown Hurricane. It follows Main Street from US 60 southwest of Hurricane northeastward to WV 34 just east of downtown Hurricane. Along WV 34 and US 60, it is signed as WV 34 Alternate, but along the route itself, it is signed as WV 34 Business.